ALKBH5

Dioxygenase that specifically demethylates N(6)-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA, the most prevalent internal modification of messenger RNA (mRNA) in higher eukaryotes. Demethylates RNA by oxidative demethylation, which requires molecular oxygen, alpha-ketoglutarate and iron. Demethylation of m6A mRNA affects mRNA processing, translation and export. Can also demethylate N(6)-methyladenosine in single-stranded DNA (in vitro). Required for the late meiotic and haploid phases of spermatogenesis by mediating m6A demethylation in spermatocytes and round spermatids: m6A demethylation of target transcripts is required for correct splicing and the production of longer 3'-UTR mRNAs in male germ cells (By similarity). Involved in paraspeckle assembly, a nuclear membraneless organelle, by undergoing liquid-liquid phase separation. Paraspeckle assembly is coupled with m6A demethylation of RNAs, such as NEAT1 non-coding RNA. Also acts as a negative regulator of T-cell development: inhibits gamma-delta T-cell proliferation via demethylation of JAG1 and NOTCH2 transcripts (By similarity). Inhibits regulatory T-cell (Treg) recruitment by mediating demethylation and destabilization of CCL28 mRNAs (By similarity)..

Function from UniProtKB (Q6P6C2), read 2026-09-23. CC BY 4.0.